Aussie women second to NZ in world sevens

Jun 26, 2017 - 1:56 AM Deposed world champions Australia believe their youth has them poised to quickly return to women's rugby sevens dominance.

The Olympic gold medallists have set their sights on next year's Commonwealth Games and World Cup after finishing the world series second to New Zealand.

The Pearls dominated 2016, winning three tournaments on the way to the world title before being crowned Rio Games champions.

But they failed to win a tournament this season as injuries and indifferent form contributed to their post-Olympic hangover.

Their season ended with a 22-7 final loss to New Zealand at the France sevens in Clermont-Ferrand on Sunday.

"New Zealand have had an exceptional year and they finished it well," Australian coach Tim Walsh said.

"It certainly gives us motivation and desire to come back next year in what is a very big year with the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup.

"We're looking to be peaking for those events. We'll certainly be taking a lot out of this season.

"There are some good young players coming through which is great and bodes well for the future of Australian women's rugby. So we've got make sure we stay at the top and win those big events."

The Australians posted victories over the USA (31-14) and Canada (19-14) in the lead-up to Sunday's final.

But the Kiwis dominated the decider, scoring first through Ruby Tui before Australia levelled things through Shannon Parry.

New Zealand scored again to take a halftime lead of 12-7 before Michaela Blyde took them further ahead in the second half and a last-minute try to Shakira Baker completed the rout.

"I thought the first two matches were the best we performed all season," Walsh said.

"We showed some really good character especially in that game against Canada to come from behind and hold that composure and be ruthless and resilient."

Canada finished third on title standings, with the same three teams who took out the medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the top-three.

In a big 2018, Australia will compete at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in April and World Cup next July.

Source: AAP